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Varsity practices begin in October~ Informational Meeting in September, date TBD!
Speech events can be persuasive, entertaining, informative, individual, or performed with a partner.
Speech events can be persuasive, entertaining, informative, individual, or performed with a partner.
Explore the different events below. Some events are more interpretive, meaning they are very expressive and dynamic, much like an actor performing a scene. Other events, known as platform events, are more persuasive or informative, and use evidence to explain or back up an argument.
Students write, memorize, and deliver a 10-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. The goal is typically to inform, persuade, or inspire the audience while showcasing exceptional storytelling and delivery.
Informative Speaking
Informative Speaking
Students write, memorize, and deliver a 10-minute speech to explain a specific topic, concept, or process to the audience. Competitors use visual aids, such as 3D models or tri-fold boards, to make complex ideas easily digestible and highly engaging. The goal is to educate the audience on a unique subject while showcasing exceptional research, creativity, and delivery skills
Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking
Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation
Solo events where students select and cut a 10-minute portion of a published play, book, or script to perform. Competitors must bring all the characters to life using only their voice, facial expressions, and physical movements without any costumes or props. HI focuses on comedic timing and eccentric characters, while DI emphasizes emotional depth and serious storytelling.
Duo Interpretation
A two-person event where partners perform a 10-minute cutting from a published literary work. The unique twist is that partners are strictly forbidden from making physical contact or direct eye contact with each other during the performance. They must perfectly synchronize their timing, character interactions, and movements while focusing their gaze forward toward the audience.
Poetry
An event that focuses exclusively on the performance of published poems, songs, or poetic literature to convey an emotional or thematic message. Like POI, students may hold a small reading binder, but the focus is heavily centered on vocal cadence, rhythm, and the emotional delivery of the verse. Competitors can perform a single long poem or a collection of shorter poems woven together around a common theme.
POI
(Program Oral Interpretation)
A solo event where students combine multiple genres of literature—such as poetry, prose, and drama—to explore a central social or political theme. Competitors use a small black binder as a prop, creatively incorporating it into their choreography to symbolize scene changes or character transitions. The performance must blend these distinct texts seamlessly into a cohesive, 10-minute argumentative narrative.
Supplemental Events
Supplemental Events
Supplemental events are events that are not alway offered, nor are they as competitive: they are a kind of new, experimental event that tournament directors may or may not offer.
Supplemental events are events that are not alway offered, nor are they as competitive: they are a kind of new, experimental event that tournament directors may or may not offer.
Impromptu Speaking
Impromptu Speaking
A fast-paced public address event where students are given a prompt, such as a quotation, object, or abstract word, and have a total of seven minutes to both prepare and deliver a cohesive speech. Competitors must quickly outline their arguments and examples without the aid of pre-written notes or internet access. The event evaluates a student's ability to think on their feet, organize ideas logically under extreme time pressure, and maintain a polished, confident delivery style.
Creative Storytelling
Creative Storytelling
Storytelling (STO) is a five-minute event where students perform a single, published children’s story or legend from memory, tailored for a young audience. Competitors utilize high energy, animated delivery, and expressive movement, with the option to use a stationary chair as a prop. Designed for engaging, outgoing performers, the event emphasizes audience captivation through creative, age-appropriate storytelling
Big Questions
Big Questions
A type of debate event with a one-on-one format where students debate a single, year-long resolution focusing on the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Competitors use unique evidence from academic journals and deep philosophical theories to argue abstract topics, such as the nature of human morality or the existence of objective truth.
"The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller". ~ Steve Jobs
"The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller". ~ Steve Jobs
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